News

Doorstep tricksters operating in Oldbury

OLDBURY residents are being warned to be alert after conmen claiming to be council officials tried to trick their way into a woman’s home.

Two smartly dressed men claimed to be offering free loft insulation and produced photo identity bearing the Sandwell Council logo.

Trading standards officer Mark Beesley said they told the householder loft insulation must be of a certain thickness by law. They offered to check the loft but the householder refused to let them.

Both men were of Eastern European appearance and in their early 30s. One was tall with a round face while the other one was short and stocky.

Mr Beesley said: "These people often work in teams and usually prey on older or vulnerable people. Bogus callers can use many different guises to gain entry to your home, often pretending to be council officials, workmen from the gas, water or electricity supply companies, or even the police."

Suspicious cold calling should be reported to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 0405 06 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.